January 1, motorcycle riders will have new rules to follow if they're taking to the road. Recent changes to the state's motorcycle helmet law go into effect in the new year. The changes specify more clearly what types of helmets can be worn and also clarifies that the helmet must be properly secured on the head using a strap so that it will stay on in the event of a crash.
Motorcycle helmets are considered legally compliant if they meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218, which requires helmets to have a firm inner liner of polystyrene foam that is about one-inch thick. According to a news release from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, compliant helmets also carry the symbol "DOT," for US Department of Transportation, permanently installed by the manufacturer on the back of the helmet, as well as a permanently attached manufacturer's label on the interior of the helmet. Novelty-type helmets are not compliant with FMVSS-218.

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